The management and reconstruction of bone defects is a significant global healthcare challenge. While autografts offer ideal compatibility, they are often not suitable for large bone defects, and allografts suffer from potential immunorejection.The limited efficacy of conventional treatment strategies for large bone defects and the increasing aged population, has inspired the consortium to propose a SMART RESORBABLE BONE (SRB) IMPLANT embedding stem cells and bioactive agents with the aim of a controllable and fast restoration. The proposed solution includes 3D printed medical grade polymers enriched with electrospun fibers (for increased mechanical properties) that can be customized for patient physiology, pathology, and gender. The scaffold design will ensure easy and minimal Injury placement, and will embed different sensors for monitoring e.g. pressure, pH value and temperature based on biocompatible conductive inks. The smart implant will thus be able to provide vital information of implant performance in terms of bone growth and infection/inflammation. The proposed method is unique because it includes a customized smart implant (3D printed parts with adjustable sensors and communication electronic system), together with tissue engineering methods i.e. in-vitro programming of stem cells for embedding into the smart implant. The proposed solution introduces an innovative regenerative chain, from early testing and characterization (identification/adjustement of the proper specifications) and embedding regenerative stem cells and particulate bioactive agents into the smart implant in preclinical research (in-vitro). The in vivo proof of concept of SBR solution will be tested in (large animal model) preclinical studies within the scope of the project. Finally the regulatory and commercialization strategy on how to further explore the proposed concept and deliver it for clinical testing will be elaborated.

Paper-based printed electronics are new recyclable electronic devices with technical, economic and environmental advantages. Additionally, nanocellulose (NC) based printed electronics, produced mainly from wood pulp, offer better printability and performance than paper. Therefore, the integration of NC-based printed electronics and biosensors is a promising source of innovation in the biomedical industry. In GREENSENSE we propose the development of a sustainable NC-based biosensing platform for Drug-of-Abuse (DoA) analysis, that integrates high-added value printed electronic components (a new biosensor, an NFC communication system, an energy storage system and a display) with a silicon microchip to provide it with multi sensor data processing, autonomy and wireless communication and that is easy for the user to read. The main goal of the project will be the use of NC as: substrate for the printed electronics, lamination film for the encapsulation of the final device and as active component in the formulation of functional inks (conductive, electrochemical, electrolyte and dielectric). In all cases the NC surface will be functionalized to be printable, with good barrier properties and compatible with the functional inks (bioactive, conductive, dielectric, electrochemical, electrochromic and electrolyte). Pilot lines and high throughput, high precision and cost-effective S2S screen-printing and ink-jet printing techniques will be used to produce materials and components at large-scale. Two types of DoA biosensing platforms to eradicate the consume of drugs among the society will be developed: a strip-based platform (2nd generation) that will be connected to a Smartphone and a strip+reader-based platform (3rd generation) that will also include a display. The final flexible and recyclable NC-based biosensing platform will be mass producible with ultra-low power consumption and, therefore, cost-effective, sustainable and environmentally friendly.

For most electronic applications, precious metals are required for connectivity or signal transmission (RFID, etc.). These metals are often expensive with limited worldwide reserves. Besides, the adverse environmental effect, the constant increase in demand from traditional and emerging markets put a tremendous pressure on prize/cost. This negatively impacts the companies’ margin and may limit their development. The solutions offered by the project answer most of the issues caused by raw material shortage and environmental impact. The solutions that will be developed will allow the deposition of a very limited and controlled quantity of metal for equivalent or even better applicative properties. Moreover, the application process, i.e. inkjet printing / roll to roll, is much less energy consuming than the traditional PVD deposition methods and requires limited investments. To further address the economical aspect, alternative lower cost common metals will be studied (Aluminum). Eco conception principles will be applied for the development of the inks. Use of non-toxic, “organic” solvents and additives, material recycling, low temperature processes. To sum up, efficiency will be the outcome of this project: - Economic efficiency: Offer to industrial companies a reliable and cost effective solution to tomorrow’s electronic market challenges. - Ecological efficiency: reduce ecological footprint of the electronic industry by reducing the raw material consumption and using low environmental impact processes for both ink’s manufacture and deposition / usage. The success of this project is based on a strong partnership between the CEA and Genes ‘Ink. These two entities have complementary competencies and know-how. The CEA has developed and patented the PriMe process which is a potential breakthrough technology for the electronic industry. Genes’ink has the competence and capacity, together with the CEA, to further develop and adapt this technology into a usable solution for the industry. The proposed public-private partnership perfectly meets the axis “Products: design, process and materials”, with a win-win cooperation: the CEA will be able to valorize its research efforts by transferring its technology. Genes’Ink will also benefit from the outcome of this project through patents on ink technology/ formulation and, of course, by the industrialization and commercialization of the developed solution. Genes’Ink pioneers in the design and manufacture of active inks, based on nanoparticles. Our technology brings fundamental innovation that allows many industries to massively reduce, among others, their silver consumption. Our inks encompass properties that engender unanticipated application and specific innovations (2 patents applications registered). We focus on identified opportunities in markets such as printed electronics, energy harvesting and security. Thanks to his highly technical staff, led by their experienced director, Genes’Ink specializes in the applied research, industrialization and production of this materials and their adaptation (formulation) to the deposition means and substrates specified by our industrial customers. We develop inks for inkjet, spray, roll to roll or screen printing. Our focused knowledge on ink formulation allows us to obtain design, advanced innovative product, non-polluting at competitive price.

This project was already submitted and has received the Seal of Excellence certificate delivered by the EU Commission. This new version is reviewed and amended based on the evaluation summary report. Nowadays, Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) is the main material used for transparent conductive films (TCF). These films have significant drawbacks such as fragility, indium depletion and high manufacturing cost. A promising alternative is a conductive patterned grid based on silver nanoparticles covered with a protective and conductivity enhancing zinc oxide nano-layer. To accelerate the uptake of this processing technology, the printed electronics market needs a complete solution of industrial inks and inkjet printing at large scale and high speed. This is the objective of the CLEARSILVER solution proposed by KELENN Technology (KT) - manufacturer of industrial solutions for inkjet printing - and Genes’Ink (GNK) - leader on the conductive and semi-conductive nanoinks market. The CLEARSILVER project is led by GNK in collaboration with KT. This partnership benefits from their core technical and business expertise. Since beginning 2014, GNK and KT have successfuly developed a complete pilot solution including nanomaterials kilo-scale manufacturing and an online demonstrator printer, KSCAN-PE400 presented at LOPEC 2016. The SME Instrument funding will support our objective to bring to the market a sustainable industrial solution for TCF manufacturing. The targeted market is the flexible TCF for OPV, OLED lighting and later on OLED displays. Driven by innovative applications, the business forecast for these two segments show an exponential growth in the next five years (+ 75 % CAGR). The OPV and OLED lighting market will reach a total size of $US 176 million in 2020. OPV and OLED lighting manufacturers will be the first to take advantage of our solution. Conventional EU industries like the printing sector will also benefit from it with new printed electronics opportunities.